Abstract: A radon free containment environment for either short or long term storage of radon gas detectors can be provided as active, passive, or combined active and passive embodiments. A passive embodiment includes a resealable vessel containing a basket capable of holding and storing detectors and an activated charcoal adsorbing liner between the basket and the containment vessel wall. An active embodiment includes the resealable vessel of the passive embodiment, and also includes an external activated charcoal filter that circulates the gas inside the vessel through the activated charcoal filter. An embodiment combining the active and passive embodiments is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-sensitive silver halide photographic element which comprises photographic layers applied under the condition that the surface tension of a coating solution for forming an outermost layer is 6 dyn/cm or more smaller than the surface tension of a solution for forming a layer adjacent to the outermost layer, and satisfying at least one of the conditions shown below:(a) gelatin contained in at least the side of a support having a light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer and a hydrophilic colloid layer is in an amount of 2.20 to 3.10 g/m.sup.2,(b) the photographic layers are formed by the constitution such that said coating solution for forming the outermost layer and said solution for forming the layer adjacent thereto each have a viscosity of 20 cp or less.

Abstract: Magnetic support structure for a rotatable machinery part is described which comprises a stationary support structure, an annular stator comprising an array of a plurality of electromagnets or one or more electrically conductive or superconductive elements supported by the support structure about an axis, rim structure attached to the periphery of the rotatable part for rotation therewith about the axis radially inwardly of and proximate to the electromagnets, the rim structure including electrically conductive non-ferromagnetic material for magnetic interaction with the stator, and a source of power for selectively energizing the stator.

Abstract: A material sample is rubbed with an abrasive material until streaking appears in the abrasive indicating that the material sample has become embedded in the abrasive and the abrasive material then analyzed using qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.

Abstract: A new variety of miniature rose having light pink flowers produced on a good pot forcing plant also suitable for growing outdoor in gardens.

Abstract: A new variety of miniature rose having red flowers produced on a good pot forcing plant also suitable for growing outdoor in gardens.

Abstract: A new and distinct rose variety distinguished by the solid yellow orange coloration of its medium sized blooms which are grown on long, strong, upright stems of about 144 cm. in length, the plant having a continuous blooming habit with a profuse production of blooms from Spring to late Mid-Season and blooming profusely under glass from Fall until near Spring. The plant itself being an upright, free branching bush having a vigorous and rapid growth rate and its blooms having an on plant lasting quality of about 14 days.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named Coqueta particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; pompon capitulum type; tricolored capitulum color of white-yellow-brown; diameter across face of capitulum of up to 4 cm at maturity; uniform eight week photoperiodic flowering response to short days; peduncle length ranging from 6 to 18 cm on open, terminal sprays; tall plant height when grown as a single stem spray cut mum; and excellent tolerance to low temperatures for bud initiation and flower development.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named Paloma particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; decorative capitulum type; clear white ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum of up to 9 cm at maturity; uniform eight week photoperiodic flowering response to short days; peduncle length ranging from 10 to 20 cm on open, terminal sprays; medium plant height when grown as a single stem spray cut mum; and excellent tolerance to low temperatures for bud initiation and flower development.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named Melosa particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; decorative capitulum type; soft lavender-pink ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum of up to 9.5 cm at maturity; uniform eight week photoperiodic flowering response to short days; peduncle length ranging from 10 to 20 cm on open, terminal sprays; medium plant height when grown as a single stem spray cut mum; and excellent tolerance to low temperatures for bud initiation and flower development.

Abstract: A hold down for retention of reciprocable sickles of cutter assemblies is characterized by its inflexibility and provision of adjustability in relation to the cutter bar such as to preclude undue movement of the sickle sections away from their normal scissors-like cutting positions in cooperation with the sickle guards on the cutter bar. A strong, massive hold down body permits minimum running clearance of the sickle beneath wear pads on forwardly extending fingers integral with the body. After adjustment of a extensible bolt and nut assembly between the hold down and the cutter bar and clamping of the hold down to the cutter bar, essentially trouble-free use can be expected without undue clogging or failure to easily cut even the toughest of grasses, weeds, and crops generally.

Abstract: A graded facsimile image signal coding system is disclosed which is provided with means for distributing a multi-graded facsimile picture signal, represented by 2.sup.n gradation levels, into n bit planes corresponding to n digits; initial encoding means for detecting, from picture elements forming each bit plane, picture elements at intervals of .DELTA.X picture elements on every .DELTA.Y-th line and encoding the detected picture elements; and additional coding means for .[.further .]. coding each one of .[.said encoded.]. .Iadd.picture elements except said detected .Iaddend.picture elements with reference to encoded four picture elements positioned around said one picture element to be coded.

Abstract: A laser beam 11 focused to a spot 12 by an objective lens 30 for following an information track 24 on a video disc is subject to three mutually orthogonal deviations; lateral or tracking, focus, and time axis or jitter. To correct these the lens is mounted in a second holder 9, in turn flexibly mounted by spring strips 13a, 13b to a first holder 1, in turn rotatably and slidably mounted to a base 4 by a shaft and bearing 3, 2. Various permanent magnets 7, 10 and coils 5, 6, 8 cooperable therewith are disposed such that selected coil energizations move the lens relative to the information track to correct any detected deviations.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing an isomeric mixture of a monomethyl-, dimethyl- or monoethyl-substituted aniline consisting essentially of contacting at least one of said anilines with a specified zeolite at about 250.degree.-500.degree. C. and about 10 kPa-10 MPa of pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective vest having a collar or neck guard intended for use with helmets and, optionally, with shoulder pads or harnesses, of the types worn by players in contact sports. The protective vest has a flexible body with shoulder portions between chest and back panels. Surrounding an opening for receiving a player's neck is an upstanding collar, integrally formed with the body, which has an upper ring-like surface for contacting the bottom edge of the player's helmet. When contacted by the player's helmet, the collar, formed of resilient material, is placed in energy-absorbing compression. Also, the chest and back panels surrounding the collar, also being made of resilient material, are placed in a tension and compression loading, to further aid in absorbing the loading applied to the collar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined seat cushion and baseball mitten comprising a flat padded body defining a seat section and a pair of spaced thigh sections integrally extending from the seat section. The body is divided into two substantially symmetrical portions by a foldline across the seat section with the thigh sections located on either side of the foldline so that the two portions can be folded one over the other. The two thigh sections are connected together by a web and a basket-like catching pocket is provided on one face of the body above the web, the pocket having an opening facing the web. There is also provided, on the other face of the body, a pair of hand-holding straps, each strap being located on one side over the foldline and therein being secured to the thigh sections so as to serve for holding the thumb and the other fingers of a user's hand, respectively.

Abstract: A surgical garment having a sleeve reinforcement that reduces the fluid strike through. The sleeve reinforcement is wider than the sleeve panel. The sleeve seam is sewn without the sleeve reinforcement. The edges of the sleeve reinforcement are then glued in an overlapping manner over the sleeve seam.

Abstract: A solar look dress is provided and consists of regular cloth material forming a skirt, lower bodice and cuffs of the sleeves. A netting material is for forming a hem, upper bodice and the sleeves to permit ventilation of air therethrough thus affording comfort to a wearer of the dress particularly during warm periods of the year.

Abstract: A hard shelled safety helmet comprises a protective rim configuration for the helmet and a shock absorbent liner therefor. The rim extends within a groove formed in the liner.

Abstract: A retractable guard for use in combination with a sewage pipe leading from a flush toilet is provided having a plurality of prongs with hooked ends positioned within a cross section of the pipe. The prongs are connected to a piston which is slidable within a cylinder, perpendicular to the pipe. Flushing the toilet causes water to be directed in the cylinder which in turn partially retracts the prongs. Water may be diverted from the cylinder to wash accumulated debris from the prongs.

Abstract: A fill valve (36) has a main valve (34) with a control chamber (44) for controlling the on and off actuation of the main valve. A tube (58) is in fluid communication with chamber (44) and extends into the water at the fill level (46) in tank (10). The flush valve (64) is connected to tube (58) such that upon actuation it raises tube (58) and lowers the pressure in chamber (44) to turn on the main valve (34) independent of whether the water level in tank (10) drops below its fill level (46) to direct water from the main valve to a rim wash conduit (28).

Abstract: A disposable waste bag having a flexible enclosure secured around the perimeter of an opening in a semirigid sheet of material. The semirigid sheet is foldable along a line across the middle to allow the bag to be opened and placed in position on a portable commode or bedpan. After use, the two halves of semirigid sheet material are brought together and secured to seal the bag. A gelling compound is included in the bag to solidify any liquid material deposited in it.

Abstract: Portable lift structure for moving a support platform between a comparatively dry position above the surrounding deck of a liquid spa tank to a wetting position in the spa tank including two longitudinally extending structural members pivotally connected at corresponding top ends thereof to be moved between a portable and operating positions, one structural member serving as a mast to be removably mounted in the spa tank deck and the other as a platform mount, to be pivoted from above the surrounding spa tank deck to a position above the spa tank and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder and piston to a wetting position.

Abstract: A bathing device including tub surround panels useful with a conventional bath tub or with a tub configured to the special needs of the disabled. The panels have unobtrusively reinforced side panels recessed to accept a full length chair height reclining shower seat and a tilting bath tube to contain the bathing water for use when these bathing aids are necessary or desirable. When they are no longer needed, the seat and tube are easily removed and the surround panels are restored to their original appearance.

Abstract: A sofa bed recliner with a back frame that has no rearward movement when converting from a sitting position to a horizontal position, is provided with simple support legs, which facilitate the ease of converting and reverting the sofa bed recliner and providing proper support against overbalancing. The legs drop from beneath the seat frame when it is pulled forward and retract over the base, beneath the seat frame, when reverting. The legs have a stop so that they cannot get entangled with the base when the seat frame us lifted. A tension spring biases the back frame to facilitate movement.

Abstract: An improved, adjustable bed having body support sections movable between an aligned, horizontal sleeping position and a tilted, sitting-up position. The bed includes means forming a shallow depression for comfortably receiving a person's buttocks when the bed is in its tilted, sitting-up position.

Abstract: A non-electrical cradle features flexible springs, stands and a U-shaped bag so that even a slight motion of a baby in the bag will produce swinging motion to give the baby a feeling of being huddled. Two mobile A-stands are connected by a connecting rod and support swing rods, the springs and the bag. The connecting rod penetrates top holes of the A-stands and is fixed in each hole by a bolt. At an appropriate location, a cross piece on each A-stand carries a bolt to support the swing rod at a bearing at the center on each cross piece, to enable left and right swinging of the swing rods. Each spring has a hook engaged in grooves on two sides of the swinging rod. At the four corners of the bag are belts which penetrate holes at two sides of strips at the ends of the bag, for engaging free ends of the springs.

Abstract: A reinforced air mattress sleeping bag includes an air mattress unit with upper and bottom mattresses, a head rest piece and a head covering. The head rest piece can be formed by extending the bottom air mattress at a distance suitable for accommodating the user's head, or can be formed separately to be connectable to the mattress by a fastening device. The upper and bottom mattresses of the air mattress unit, when inflated, can prevent the inner sleeping bag received therebetween from dampness, and the head rest piece provided with the head covering prevents the user from mosquitos and other insects.

Abstract: An improved pillow having a head supporting portion and a neck supporting portion. The neck supporting portion having a firmness greater than the head supporting portion. The neck supporting portion is of lesser transverse dimension than the head supporting portion to allow freedom from interference of the pillow with the sleeper's jaw and mouth. In an alternate version, the pillow includes two reversible neck supporting portions of different firmness.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a paint design along the border of a wall includes a holder having a planar base, a handle extending from one side of the base and a hook-and-loop fastener on an opposite side of the base for attaching in any desired position a sponge or other member for holding paint and applying it to the wall. The hook-and-loop fastener carries a grid so that the paint holding and applying member can be located in a precise position on the base of the holder relative to edges of the base and to other paint holding and applying members.

Abstract: On the bottom side of a vacuum cleaner there is arranged a flat spare part compartment extending substantially over the entire surface of the dust chamber for taking up operating instructions, replacement dust bags, fine filters and the like, which spare part compartment can be locked by a cover. The cover is suspended in the motor chamber zone by means of hinges and can be opened to an opening position of about 40.degree. or completely removed by pushing said cover beyond the opening position. In the handle region of the vacuum cleaner said cover has a key locking with a resilient tongue which engages in a clearance on the bottom side of the handle region. The cover is reinforced by ribs which extend onto the motor chamber side of the housing and which can serve as skids.

Abstract: An air booster power nozzle for use in combination with a vacuum cleaner having a motor/fan unit for creating a vacuum, the power nozzle including an enclosed base having a suction inlet for air and an air outlet spaced from the suction inlet, a power source and a motor energized by the power source, a suction-creating fan rotatably supported by the motor and sited relative to the enclosed base adjacent the air outlet; the motor/fan units of the vacuum cleaner and of the power nozzle operating in tandem for creating an extremely high suction and vacuum at the power nozzle to forcefully remove debris from the surface being cleaned and to preclude plugging of the power nozzle or the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A free wheel caster is provided and consists of a large ball rotatively carried within a cavity in a cup portion of a caster body which rolls against a plurality of small balls to ride freely within anti-friction material coating recesses in the cavity. The caster body can be attached to bottom of an object to move the object across a flat surface. It can also be attached to top of an object to move other objects thereacross. A ready access hole is also provided in the cup portion so that a tool can be inserted for prying and thereby removing the large ball from the cavity in the cup portion for cleaning and repair.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for a hinge structure having two geared hinge members and a clamp member. The geared hinge members are maintained in rotatable, intermeshing relation along their adjacent longitudinally extending edges by the clamp members to permit smooth and uniform movement of the hinge structure. The thrust bearing assembly of the present invention includes a pair of non-metallic interconnected inserts arranged in side-by-side order to extend laterally across and inhibit relative longitudinal movements between the hinge members. The interconnected inserts are configured to facilitate their insertion in and removal from the hinge structure while maintaining the hinge members in mesh.

Abstract: A door closer adapter/replacement assembly for converting a doorway equipped with an interiorly mounted door closer unit for usage with an exteriorly mounted door closer unit. The assembly comprises (a) a bushing positionable on an exteriorly protruding spindle of the interiorly mounted door closer unit, and (b) an arm including a tongue affixable to a door fitting the doorway, and a structural portion defining a cavity which is matable with the bushing. The bushing and the structural portion of the arm defining the cavity are constructed and arranged such that the arm is free-spinning on the bushing. The assembly is employable on spindles of both header (overhead) mounted and floor mounted door closer units, and obviates the need for disassembly of the overhead structure or threshold of the doorway, so that the concealed door closer can remain in place while the door is adapted to use with an exteriorly mounted door closer unit.

Abstract: A poultry washing and scalding process and system provides for a bird washing section at the bird exit and of the immersion section of the scalder. The birds are spray washed before exiting the system such that when arriving at the picking station, they are substantially bacteria free. Particles cleaned from the birds at the washing section are removed and pass directly into the liquid recirculating system without flowing into the immersion section of the scalder thereby avoiding any increase in bacteria therein. The birds are washed with water that has been recycled and mixed with add water, and the immersion section may be replenished with the same water.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a conventional meat skinning machine having a frame, an elongated skinning blade, a rotatable gripping roll closely positioned adjacent the blade, an electrical motor operatively connected to the gripping roll and to a source of electrical power, and a danger zone defined by the area approximate to the gripping roll closely adjacent the blade. The motor is a braking motor which has a normally inoperative braking means adapted to stop the motor substantially instantaneously when becoming operative. A safety circuit is electrically connected to the braking motor, the blade and the gripping roll. The safety circuit is normally open and is adapted to be closed when the blade and gripping roll are electrically connected by any electroconducting means, such as an operator's glove made of electroconducting material, that simultaneously comes into electrical contact with the blade and the gripping roll.

Abstract: An improved drive linkage for a reciprocating mold plate in a food patty molding machine includes, in series, a hydraulic cylinder and its piston; one is connected to a motor or other prime mover and the other to the mold plate. Three hydraulic lines connect the opposite ends of the cylinder to a large hydraulic reservoir and to each other. A hydraulic pressure flow directing means, preferably comprising check valves in the hydraulic lines, produces a continuous, unidirectional flow of hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into one end of the cylinder, on to the other end of the cylinder, and then back to the reservoir; the flow remains unidirectional despite cyclic reversal of the direction of piston movement in the cylinder.

Abstract: A shrimp processing machine provides an apparatus to shell and devein a fresh (headless) shrimp. The machine comprises a motor housing, a carrier wheel bearing a plurality of tine elements, a guide member, a feed member, a blade member, and a shrimp extractor member. The carrier wheel is preferably turned about its axis by a small motor in the motor housing, and carries the shrimp past the blade for shell and vein removal.

Abstract: A flat for a carding engine comprises an elongate support bar (11) designed to be supported at each end thereof on a bend at the respective side of the carding engine. Carding elements (19) are carried by an elongate carrier (14), the support bar and carrier having interengaging formations (15,16) which restrain these parts against relative lateral movement. Adjusting means (24,25) are provided in at least two spaced locations along the support bar for adjusting the spacing between the support bar and the carrier. Each adjusting means has an associated locking means (23) for releasably locking the support bar and the carrier in an adjusted position in order to achieve a required setting of the carding elements in relation to the main carding cylinder.

Abstract: The flat cleaning apparatus employs a comb for loosening fibers and dirt particles carried by the revolving flats of the revolving flat clothing. In addition, a casing which travels across the width of the revolving system has a suction nozzle for drawing up the loosened strips of fibers and dirt particles. In addition, a brush is provided downstream of the suction nozzle which is movable relative to the flats to clean between the flats so as to release deep-seated dirt after the strips are removed. The brush is mounted in a chamber which communicates with the suction nozzle so that a suction force is available for removing the deep-seated dirt brought up by the brush.

Abstract: The combing machine has at least one combing head having combing elements and a carrier for a lap roll for combing. Two pairs of transport rollers and a pair of pressing rollers are provided in the path of the lap from the lap roll to the combing elements. A movable deflector or element is also disposed adjacent the pressing rollers for a lap end. An automatic lap change is carried out when the lap has approximately completely unwound from the roll. The transport roller pairs are used to tear the lap therebetween with the resulting lap end advancing to the pressing rollers which is then stopped. After a fresh lap roll is placed in the machine, the forward end of the lap is moved between the transporting rollers and severed to form a second lap end. The deflector element serves to place the end of the fresh lap onto the previous lap end for combining within the pressure rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinning can creel for the feeding of textile fiber slivers to a processing machine with which several spinning cans are arranged along a spinning can creel, and a take-off mechanism is assigned to every textile fiber sliver for the transport of the textile fiber slivers. The textile fiber slivers are brought to a processing machine over a transport unit.

Abstract: A hose clamp includes an annular clamp body having a pair of opposite end parts intersecting each other and bent in a radially outward direction so as to effect radial expansion of the clamp body by mutual approximation of the end parts. One of the end parts has a lock depression formed therein. The other end part has a lock claw part formed thereon at a position capable of engagement with the lock depression. The one end part has an unlocking wall formed thereon for disengaging the lock claw part from the lock depression. The clamp body is retained in a radially expanded state by the engagement between the lock claw part and the lock depression and is allowed to contract by the disengagement between the lock depression and the lock claw part.

Abstract: A wire belt fastener is formed from a piece of wire to have a wire body having a pair of arms joined by a U-shaped hinge pin section. The ends of the wire are flattened to form wide areas having grooves to receive the head and the bent ends of a staple. The fasteners are aligned in a juxtaposed array by a connector wire or rod extending normal to the arms and spanning across a series of belt fasteners to space them evenly to receive interdigitated hinge loops of another array of belt fasteners. A belt stop comprising a projecting piece of wire is secured to an inner surface of one arm of the wire belt fastener to be abutted by the cut belt end to limits its insertion into the gap between the arms of the wire belt fastener. To reduce the lateral width of the belt fasteners and to place more metal in the splice, the wire cross-section at the hinge loop is substantially oblong with flat faces of adjacent, intermeshed fasteners being side by side.

Abstract: An expanding and retracting belt buckle composed of a journal assembly connected to a spring disposed in the main body of the buckle. The main body contains a locking assembly to attach one end of the belt and also contains a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal tracks. The journal assembly has a cylindrical roller at each end which travels along the track in response to the urging of the spring. An outer plate is attached to the journal assembly for allowing longitudinal movement of the plate against the force of the spring. The opposite end of the plate has a projection for insertion into the other end of the belt.

Abstract: A stud and eyelet fastener is positively locked together by pivoting the eyelet on the stud in an eyelet pivot seat to an askew position requiring the eyelet to snap past a latching shoulder, and wherein the stud and/or eyelet deforms within the elastic limit as the eyelet passes the latching shoulder.

Abstract: A robot end effector exchange system comprises a movable robot arm and an end effector. Connecting structure on each of the arm and end effector are operable for releasably attaching the arm and end effector in an operative relationship. A fixture supportably receives the end effector attached to the robot arm and includes restraining structure operable for holding the end effector on the fixture to permit attachment and detachment of the end effector and the arm. Hydraulic actuators on the fixture selectively operate the connecting structure and the restraining structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pallet changer suitable for use with a machine tool. When exchanging pallets, the pallet changer employs a drive means 3 for driving a table 2, and a transfer means 12 comprising a chain 66 and sprockets 64, 65. The transfer means 12 is driven by the drive means 3, and the pallet 4 is moved in the same direction as the table 2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip driver for binding documents or the like together by using a clip which is formed from a single elastic plate-like member and which is constituted by a bent portion and a pair of grasping portions continued from the bent portion, the grasping portions having extremities normally contacting with each other so as to grasp the documents or the like between the grasping portions.